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Post subject: Dead 'Open' A String
Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2009 4:30 am
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Joined: Sun Mar 01, 2009 6:03 am
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Location: Watford, UK
I have a MIM Classic 70's Jazz, which I love. But I have a problem.

The open 'A' sounds hollow and is certainly quieter than the fretted 'A' on the 5th of the 'E' string. I am aware that fretted notes on the E can be more boomy (especially as one moves up the fretboard) but the difference is noticeable, so much so that I avoid playing open 'A' whenever possible, using the fretted note alternative (which makes tricky runs even trickier!)

I use stainless steel roundwounds and have tried Rotosound and D'Addarios so far, both with the same result (both 80 gauge).

Fretted notes on the 'A' string are fine - it's just the open 'A' that has no oomph.

Any ideas? Faulty nut? Duff winding-post? Wrong gauge for the bass (unlikely I know)? Badly set up bridge (a GOTOH drop in-replacement)? Thanks in advance.


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Post subject: A string
Posted: Thu Jul 23, 2009 5:28 am
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Location: Ireland
maybe it cud be the pickup height... i wud get the bass checked... get it set up maybe


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Post subject:
Posted: Thu Jul 23, 2009 6:51 am
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Thanks DBassfurlong, i might just do that. I have ordered a Geddy Lee (black, £670 - a bargain!) which will be in at the Bass Cellar in London shortly. The tech sets the bass up for you when you pick it up, there and then, so i will take the MIM 70's Classic in at the same time and see if he can fix the 'open A' issue.


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Post subject: Geddy Lee Bass
Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2009 4:34 am
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Location: Ireland
Glad to help man!! ah very nice the Geddy lee... I bought one of those last year.. Great Bass... The Badass Bridge and the Neck on them.. Lovely


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Post subject:
Posted: Sat Jul 25, 2009 9:37 am
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When a string sound bad open but fine when fretted you can suspect a problem at the nut. If the nut slot is too narrow and the string isn't sitting down in contact with the bottom of the slot, it could very well sound weak. This is a possible source of your problem.

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Post subject:
Posted: Sun Jul 26, 2009 4:26 am
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Thanks Soggycrow. I am now sure the nut is the problem and will ge this looked into by a tech.


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